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The differences between cdl drivers and tractor-trailer drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a cdl driver and a tractor-trailer driver. Additionally, a cdl driver has an average salary of $63,112, which is higher than the $58,498 average annual salary of a tractor-trailer driver.
The top three skills for a cdl driver include DOT, CDL-A and customer service. The most important skills for a tractor-trailer driver are DOT, CDL, and OTR.
| CDL Driver | Tractor-Trailer Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $63,112 | $58,498 |
| Hourly rate | $30.34 | $28.12 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 784,044 | 690,787 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A CDL driver is responsible for the transportation of goods from the manufacturing warehouse to specific store locations. CDL drivers' duties include inspecting the items before and after the delivery to ensure that the orders are correct with the right quantity, providing proof of delivery from the receiving customers, following the delivery schedule and report any delays immediately, monitoring the vehicle's engine for efficiency, and escalating concerns of incorrect deliveries and defective items. A CDL driver must have excellent time-management and multi-tasking skills, following safety procedures and road rules at all times.
A tractor-trailer driver is responsible for picking up and delivering goods and services from distribution centers and warehouses to different locations across the country as required. Tractor-trailer drivers manage the best route planning to prevent delays. They should also have extensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, inspecting the vehicle's condition regularly, repairing any inconsistencies, and replacing defective components to ensure smooth operations. A tractor-trailer driver must have excellent communication and organizational skills, responding to the clients' inquiries and concerns and escalating complaints to management for immediate resolution.
Cdl drivers and tractor-trailer drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| CDL Driver | Tractor-Trailer Driver | |
| Average salary | $63,112 | $58,498 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $96,000 | Between $40,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Atlanta, GA |
| Highest paying state | Wyoming | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | GCP Applied Technologies | Exel Inc. |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a cdl driver and a tractor-trailer driver in terms of educational background:
| CDL Driver | Tractor-Trailer Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cdl drivers' and tractor-trailer drivers' demographics:
| CDL Driver | Tractor-Trailer Driver | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.8% Female, 7.2% | Male, 93.2% Female, 6.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 3.4% White, 58.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |